DUP's Arlene Foster will have been and will be a tough woman to negotiate with

#Arlene Fosterand her 10 DUP MPs at #10 Downing Street entered by the front door, but for some reason left via the back door like they had something to hide or did not wish anyone - especially the media - see them leave. Why the secrecy as the world's media would have seen them arrive at Downing Street so why didn't they leave the way they had come?

The DUP founded by the Rev. Ian Paisley is a staunchly Unionist party with a deep Protestant Christian ethos which governs some if not of all of their policies. They could be called right-wing as they do not accept same-sex marriage, are climate change deniers and are very pro-Brexit.

Would this have been part of their negotiations with Theresa May in Downing Street?

It is expected that an informal coalition agreement will be signed today between the Conservatives and the DUP bringing this loose arrangement government into being. Certainly, this gives Arlene Foster who could easily give Theresa May a run for her money in talks a certain amount of leverage with the now weakened Theresa May administration.

What Arlene Foster may have asked at the meeting

Arlene Foster and Theresa May have worked together behind the scenes on things they agree on in the past and in some ways some areas of the Conservative party mirror aspects of the DUP. It can be guessed even though Arlene Foster keeps things close to her chest that she will have a set of demands or requests in return for helping Theresa May stay in power.

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Certainly one of the requests will be for more money for Northern Ireland in helping with infrastructure, and money for schools and hospitals. Many in Northern Ireland, especially the Loyalist community, see this DUP-Conservative arrangement as a good thing if the deal is signed today, as it may highlight the areas of Northern Ireland that need investment.

Even some Republicans have grudgingly admitted if this investment is forthcoming from the central government in London it could be a good thing for Northern Ireland.

John Major's warning

Former Prime Minister John Major who was involved in talks with both sides of the Northern Irish conflict peace talks before handing over to Tony Blair has warned he has reservations about his party going into government with the DUP. The DUP has been accused of having links to Loyalist paramilitary groups and this maybe is one of John Major's concerns.

He may also be warning against going down a road with the DUP that may somehow entrap Theresa May's already enfeebled administration.

Of course, Major's concerns could be completely unfounded, but on the other hand, they may be justified. Only time will tell.

DUP in talks with Sinn Fein regarding Stormont

Sinn Fein and even the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny have expressed their misgivings about the DUP going into government with the Conservatives. Their worry is that it may make the negotiations a little skewed as it may feel like the British government is backing the DUP in talks rather than being objective.

The British government will realise the importance of talks to get a Stormont administration running again and will remain completely objective in talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

If the talks fail it may bring back direct rule from London which after all the good work of the Good Friday Agreement and the time both Sinn Fein and the DUP shared power together would be a complete shame.

Northern Ireland has enjoyed peace and prosperity for a long time now let us hope this continues.

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